The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) held its 12th plenary session from 3 to 8 December 2015 in Bali, Indonesia. Discussions focused on management measures for various tuna species as well as sharks. The EU, represented by the European Commission, used the meeting to promote better fisheries control and more sustainably managed fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean region.

Commissioner Karmenu Vella has travelled to Europe's biggest fishing port in Vigo, Spain, this week to mark two important anniversaries on the fisheries calendar: the tenth anniversary of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and the 20th anniversary of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Mr Vella used his visit to recognise both organisations' achievements in promoting and enforcing sustainable fisheries.

In its annual report of 2014 activities, the European Fisheries Control Agency outlines how it assisted Member States and the European Commission to prepare for the monitoring of the landing obligation. This included rolling out new data network systems, adding modules for training fisheries’ inspectors and finding synergies with Member states for joint monitoring efforts.